Box Score SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Northern Michigan University hockey team found itself in a 2-0 hole after 20 minutes of play Friday night at Taffy Abel Arena on the Lake Superior State campus. Things would not get better as the Wildcats dropped a 5-1 game to the Lakers.
The 'Cats fall to 6-7-4 overall on the season and 5-5-3-0 in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Lake Superior improves to 9-7-3 and 6-6-1-0 respectively on the season.
The Lakers first-period goals were scored on special teams play. Rick Schofield scored a power-play goal at 4:20 then he added a shorthanded marker at 7:00. After a scoreless middle frame the Lakers added goals in the final frame by Ben Power on the power play for a 3-0 lead (4:59). Fred Cassiani made the score 4-0 with his power-play goal at 10:12. About five minutes later, Chad Nehring with his 10th goal of the season gave the Lakers a 5-0 lead at 15:18.
Phil Fox avoided the shutout for the 'Cats with his second goal of the season at 19:02. Assisting on the power-play goal were Greger Hanson and Justin Florek.
The Lakers scored three goals on the power play in five attempts. NMU was 1-7 with the extra skater. Brian Stewart began the night between the pipes for the 'Cats and lasted a little over 50 minutes (50:12) and gave up four of the goals as he had 33 saves. Reid Ellingson played the remaining nine plus minutes (9:48) and gave up a goal with six saves. Brian Mahoney-Wilson went the distance for the Lakes as he had 30 saves.
Lake Superior State outshot the 'Cats by a margin of 44-31.
The two teams will go at it again Saturday night (Dec. 12) in the Soo at Taffy Abel Arena at 7:05 p.m.
